“There was some hesitation there. It came down to, I’m not going to be able to do this again. So as long as I’m feeling I can [play], and I feel good about it, this is where I want to be.”

If last season was any indication of where he currently stands, the three-time Finals MVP seemed to fare just fine against the competition; he averaged 15.1 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.9 blocks per game en route to leading the Spurs over the Heat in the NBA Finals.

Duncan and the reigning champs return this season with their first regular season game Oct. 28 at home against their in-state rival Dallas Mavericks.

- Marc Weinreich

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